This country in the heart of Europe has scenery of unparalleled drama — glacier-clad Alpine peaks give way to high pastureland dotted with dairy farms, and perhaps an old steeple anchoring a village. Lower down, tidy cities with cobbled old quarters hug shimmering lakes, and fashionable locals and visitors soak in the clean air and light at outdoor cafés.
A visit to this remarkable country never fails to restore, whether you seek refreshment in a world-class spa, a quiet mountain path or a hillside vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva. Switzerland has been a popular destination for centuries, and yet its character and scenic grandeur are undiminished. The Edwardian palace hotels graciously welcome guests to some of Europe’s loveliest cities and most spectacular countryside.
This sample itinerary encompasses many of the country’s most elegant palace-style hotels, all of which are Harper Alliance partners, providing benefits to the Harper guests.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Fly to Geneva, which offers far more than exquisite watches, secretive banks and international diplomacy. This compact, cosmopolitan metropolis sandwiched between vineyards and Lake Geneva brings together the best of France and Switzerland — an inspiring combination.
After settling in at your hotel, explore Geneva’s atmospheric old town. The sumptuous Patek Philippe salon provides perhaps the quintessential Geneva watch-shopping experience, and Les Armures never fails to charm diners with wonderfully traditional fondues served in a cozy 17th-century mansion.
Explore the Palais des Nations complex, home of the ill-fated League of Nations. Fine works of art enliven the entire ensemble of buildings, now the European headquarters of the United Nations, but the joyously colorful ceiling of the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room is enough to make a tour worthwhile.
In the afternoon, take a private cruise along Lake Geneva, or tour some of the hillside wineries surrounding the city. As excellent as Swiss wines may be, they can be challenging to find outside the country.
One of the region’s best restaurants is nestled in the Geneva vineyards: the exclusive Domaine de Châteauvieux serves lushly creative cuisine in a 16th-century manor house overlooking manicured vines and the Rhône River.
Consider a little more meandering in the old town. The gallery-lined Rue de la Cité and Grand Rue wind through Geneva’s most atmospheric quarter toward the Place du Bourg-de-Four, originally a Roman forum.
After lunch, take a train along the shore to Lausanne. “Between the extensive wine-growing regions of Lavaux to the east and La Côte to the west, the city offers dramatic panoramic views over the lake and the Alps,” notes Mr. Harper, whose favorite resort here, Beau-Rivage, is in a dramatic 10-acre park sweeping down to Lake Geneva. Take some time to relax, and perhaps enjoy a treatment in the sophisticated spa before dinner.
The next day, relax in Lausanne. Explore the city, with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, and perhaps take a gourmet cruise on a century-old steamboat. Wine lovers can head into the vineyards for some tastings.
After breakfast, pick up a rental car and head deeper into the mountains. It’s less than two hours to one of the most glamorous resort towns in the world, Gstaad.
The century-old castle-style Gstaad Palace hotel dominates the town, which has a pedestrianized center with numerous refined restaurants and chic shops. Many people think of Gstaad as a ski resort, but it offers plenty to do in the warmer months as well.
Take a few days to enjoy the town. Nine cable cars lead up to various dramatic mountain peaks, and inviting restaurant terraces overlook stupendous scenery.
The 18-hole Gstaad-Saanenland golf course is surrounded by alpine splendor. More adventurous sorts can go river rafting or paragliding.
Depart Gstaad and continue 90 minutes northeast to Interlaken, a pleasant resort town squeezed, as you might have guessed, between two lakes.
Mr. Harper recommends the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, which has “striking views of the grand Jungfrau,” one of Europe’s tallest mountains.
Take some time to relax at your hotel, and stroll along Interlaken’s Höheweg, a park in the middle of town with marvelous views in all directions.
Consider taking the train to Jungfraujoch, the highest rail station on the continent. The spectacularly scenic route takes you to Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg before passing through an engineering marvel of a tunnel in Eiger Mountain.
After taking in the glorious views from the top, take the nearby elevator to the Eispalast, a set of ice caverns 60 feet below the surface of the glacier, decorated with an array of ice sculptures that includes life-size cars.
Take a day trip by car to the unique Aare Gorge, a natural wonder of rock caverns, arches and grottoes hewn over thousands of years by the waters of the Aare River.
Alternatively, take the set of cable cars leading from Stechelberg up to Piz Gloria, a restaurant perched improbably on the Schilthorn. You might recognize the setting from the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” in which it was featured prominently.
Drive out of Interlaken and continue an hour north to another one of Switzerland’s quintessential mountain towns, Lucerne. In this lakeside city, “Elaborate fountains, Jesuit churches, Renaissance town halls and old squares converge with storybook charm,” writes Mr. Harper.
After settling in at the Palace Luzern, set on the lake, take some time to wander the old town. If energy permits, climb one of the nine medieval watchtowers for a magnificent view of the city.
Return to the hotel and take advantage of its comprehensive spa.
The next day, consider one of the many activities options in Lucerne. Nearby Mount Pilatus provides commanding views and can be reached by cogwheel train or cable car. Thirty minutes from downtown Lucerne (or an hour by pleasure steamer), the majestic Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains," offers hiking and skiing trails.
Drive two hours south to Switzerland's southernmost canton (state), Ticino, which “offers delicious food, excellent wines and magnificent alpine scenery,” according to Mr. Harper.
Next head to pedestrian-friendly Lugano. This town is made for leisurely ambling. Explore its cobbled streets and Italianate piazzas, and spend some time enjoying the amenities of Villa Principe Leopoldo Hotel, including its spa. Now is also the time for any last-minute shopping.
Return your rental car at the airport and fly to Zurich to connect to your flight home.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
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